Toned-down lighting, patrons walking in and out of the theater, talking, and actors’ lines delivered with slightly less than their usual dramatic flair aren’t what one usually expects to find at a professional theatrical performance.

But for one day this season, Trinity Repertory Company is pushing aside the norm for a special sensory friendly performance of “A Christmas Carol.” The afternoon matinee on Nov. 9, will cater to individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and caretakers, as well as those with hearing, cognitive and physical disabilities.

Lights will be dimmed, but not to total darkness; the actors’ microphones will be toned down, and the jarring lines that might be shouted at regular performances will more subdued for an audience with sensory input challenges.

And families that are used to drawing snide comments and disapproving looks at the theater, movies and other venues where silence is expected, will have a day out without worry.

“It will be a judgement-free zone — it’s about kids having fun and families having a day out without people giving them a dirty look,” said Jordan Butterfield, Education Programs manager and teaching artist at Trinity Rep.

Butterfield, who works with special needs students and children and young adults on the autism spectrum through Trinity’s TRAIN (Trinity Rep Active Imagination Network) program, spearheaded the plan to hold a sensory friendly performance of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. “I saw there was a need for this type of production through the program I teach at schools and organizations for children with special needs and autism,” she said. “And ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a perfect fit.”

She said the idea was also inspired by the sensory friendly Broadway production of Disney’s “The Lion King,” staged earlier this year.

Butterfield said the Trinity website also has a social story with photos about the play and going to the theater to watch the Dickens’ tale for parents and caretakers to use in advance of the production to help enhance the experience.

On the day of the play, Trinity will also have a quiet area in the lobby for families to use during the production if needed, as well as a section with coloring books, tactile toys and different activities if youngsters need to take a break during the performance, said Myah Shein, Trinity public relations and advertising manager. “We’re so excited about it — it’s going to be great,” she added.

The production catering to individuals with special needs is welcome news to Marion resident Jay Pateakos, father of three children, Zachary, 12, Zoe, 6, and his 9-year-old son Alex, who has spinal muscular atrophy. A genetic disease that varies in severity in each individual, Alex’s form of the muscular atrophy disease requires a wheelchair, a breathing apparatus that beeps when fluid fills up in the trach tube, and a suction device to remove the fluid so he can breathe.

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Pateakos, who takes his three kids to about five or six theatrical productions a year, said, “I actually had someone ask me if I was going to use that device through the whole performance.”

“The problem is, it’s difficult enough to bring a handicapped child to a performance without having people give you dirty looks and say things to you,” he said. “I’m just trying to give him the same experiences as the other kids.”

Pateakos said a performance like the one planned at Trinty on Nov. 9, gives parents of children with special needs a chance to take their children out without worrying about disturbing other theater patrons. “I think a production like this is awesome,” he added.

A single father, Pateakos takes Alex along on outings with his other two children to amusement parks, indoor ice skating, and the theater, both locally and at professional theater companies. But he embraces opportunities specifically geared to children with varied special needs such as a swim program that he takes Alex to regularly. “It’s great because nobody stares at you,” he said.

Trinity’s special performance of “A Christmas Carol,” is another type of event, he said, where a good part of the audience will share that understanding of what other families with a child with special needs go through when they try to have a day out with the family. “It’s huge for families. You work all day and then you want to go out with your kids and people stare at you and ask you questions. It’s really difficult,” he said.

This is the first year that Trinity Rep. has offered the sensory friendly performance, but the theater company hopes to make it a regular yearly event, according Butterfield.

“The response has been really positive,” said Shein. “The fact that we’re doing this is also raising awareness about the need for more productions like this.”

The Nov. 9, 2 p.m. performance of “A Christmas Carol,” will also feature American Sign Language interpretation. Tickets for this performance are on sale now by phone at 401-351-4242 or in person at the theater’s box office, 201 Washington St., Providence. All seats for this performance are $22. Please indicate a preference for the ASL interpretation when purchasing to ensure the best view of the interpreter. A block of tickets has generously been underwritten for families in need seeking sensory-friendly activities this holiday season. For more information on these tickets, call the box office at 401-351-4242. To view the specifics about the sensory friendly performance, visit www.trinityrep.com